A tough night for Wales

An early strike from Arsenal front man Joe Campbell condemned Chris Coleman to defeat in his first game in charge on what was an emotionally charged night in Cardiff.

No one will be taking notice of the result as this game served as an opportunity for players and fans alike to pay tribute to the late Gary Speed following his tragic death back in November.

The late Gary Speed 

The grand tributes beforehand were epic and there was not a dry eye in the house and once again magnified the respect Speed had in the game. But everyone at the Cardiff City stadium would have given anything to be somewhere else.

As for what new manager Chris Coleman described as the tough part the football. Wales were clearly distracted early on as Campbell made the most of a defensive lapse and finished smartly past seven minutes in.

For much of the game Wales pushed with Steve Morison hitting the woodwork before half time but in honesty it was not about the result.

The whole night was a wonderful memorial for Speed, with Costa Rica being the nation he made his international playing debut against.

Great players past and present were in attendance tonight to pay their final respects. Coleman will be judged when his side take on Mexico in New York and will not take anything from this game.

Thanks for the memories Gary, an inspiration for all Welsh football fans gone but never forgotten.